Chapter 3 - Stripped of the Mask
While the authorities processed Marcus, Zariah sat on the sunlit porch of a quiet farmhouse twenty miles outside Great Falls. Lily, her young cousin, sat across from her, carefully pouring tea.
"They're calling it the scandal of the season," Lily said quietly, handing Zariah a cup. "Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Eleanor are losing their minds. Chloe locked herself in her room because the venue cancelled her wedding reservation, and half her socialite friends blocked her number."
Zariah took a slow sip. "And my father?"
"He's sitting in his study staring at your old military photos," Lily admitted. "He found the trunk you left in the attic eight years ago—the one Mom told him was just full of 'junk.' He opened it. He found your Purple Heart, Zariah. He found your Bronze Star with Valor."
Lily’s eyes filled with tears. "He cried. He actually cried. But I don't care about his tears, Zariah. He let them treat you like dirt for fifteen years."
A sleek black SUV pulled up the gravel driveway. Dr. David Vance stepped out, carrying a leather brief bag. He walked up the porch steps, taking off his hat.
"Major," Vance said respectfully.
"Dr. Vance. Please, sit," Zariah replied.
Vance took a seat near the railing. "Marcus was arrested two hours ago. Federal wire fraud, identity theft, and grand larceny involving military assets. His bail has been set at five million dollars. Robert refused to post it."
Zariah didn't show surprise. She had suspected the irregularities in Thorne Capital’s military contracts six months ago when her department flagged an unauthorized clearance check originating from Great Falls. She had been quietly gathering evidence; Marcus’s public spectacle at the party had simply forced her to execute her move earlier than planned.
"Your family is begging to see you," Vance added. "Your sister claims she knew nothing about Marcus’s financial crimes."
"Chloe didn't know about the fraud," Zariah said calmly. "She only cared about the money it provided. To her, there’s no difference."
May you like
"What will you do now, Major?" Vance asked.
Zariah looked out over the rolling green fields of the Virginia countryside. "For fifteen years, I fought wars overseas while letting a different kind of war destroy my home. It's time to clean house completely."
